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In the latest update, it has been revealed that the popular Gulfport bar and grill O’Maddy’s reopened for a minute on August 30th, only to be closed again by the Gulfport Police Department due to safety concerns.
Despite posts on Facebook spreading news of the re-opening, the police made the decision to shut down the establishment as the surrounding area was still under evacuation orders.
The police chief expressed his disappointment that resources were being dedicated to keeping people away from the flooded area instead of patrolling the city.
O’Maddy’s, known for its resilience in the face of hurricanes and tropical storms, remains closed until further notice.
Once given the green light to re-open, O’Maddy’s will continue serving its popular RBK (Beef on Weck).
Gulfport Police Department Closes O’Maddy’s Due to Safety Concerns
With Zone A evacuations still in place, patrons were forced to brave floodwaters to reach the bar, which posed multiple hazards and safety risks.
Driving in Floodwaters Now Results in Points on Your License
In an effort to deter unsafe driving in floodwaters, the Gulfport Police Department has implemented a new policy.
Previously, cones and barricades were used to block flooded streets, but this proved ineffective as people would simply drive around them.
Now, driving around these barriers or creating a wake while driving through floodwaters will result in a moving violation and points on the driver’s license.
The chief of police, Rob Vincent, expressed concerns about water entering homes due to the wakes created by cars driving through storm surge.
O’Maddy’s Reopened for a Minute
Known for its resilience in the face of tropical storms and hurricanes, O’Maddy’s has always been one of the last establishments in downtown Gulfport to close and the first to reopen.
Despite briefly reopening during the storm, the bar remains closed due to safety concerns.
Unfortunately, along with eager patrons, the reopening also attracted some negative attention on social media.
False claims of owner Joe Guenther threatening to fire staff who didn’t come to work spread on Facebook. He categorically denies threatening to fire staff members who didn’t come to work during the storm.
Guenther emphasizes that many people rely on O’Maddy’s for their paycheck and expresses his gratitude for the volunteers who have stepped up to help clean.
O’Maddy’s Will Reopen When Given the All-Clear
Despite the temporary closure, O’Maddy’s plans to reopen as soon as it receives the all-clear from the authorities. The bar is eager to resume its service and continue serving the Gulfport community.
One item in particular that Gulfport residents are craving during this time is RBK (Beef on Weck). Once O’Maddy’s is allowed to reopen, customers can look forward to enjoying their favorite dishes again.
Bookmark The Gabber Newspaper for Idalia Updates
For comprehensive storm coverage and the latest updates on Tropical Storm Idalia, the Gabber Newspaper is a reliable source of information.
By bookmarking their website, readers can conveniently access all the relevant updates without any hype or guessing.
Additionally, the website features a Gulfport beach webcam, allowing viewers to stay updated on the conditions at the beach.
Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Floridians have the opportunity to make key purchases for disaster preparedness without paying sales tax during the annual “Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.”
This tax holiday, which runs until September 8th, allows individuals to buy essential items like generators, dish soap, and batteries without incurring additional costs.
It serves as a great opportunity for residents to prepare for potential disasters while saving some money.
Support the Gabber Newspaper to Help Local News Thrive
The Gabber Newspaper plays an important role in serving the Gulfport community by providing reliable news coverage.
With the recent return of their print version and a redesigned website, they have made it easier for readers to access the news they need.
However, sustaining a newspaper and maintaining a dedicated team of reporters requires financial support.
To keep the Gabber Newspaper serving the community, donations are greatly appreciated and help cover expenses such as reporter salaries and printing costs.
Supporting local news ultimately benefits the entire community.